Ocean Acidification Presentation and Roundtable Discussion - Jan. 9, 2012

Acclaimed University of Alaska Fairbanks researcher Jeremy Mathis will be in Dillingham on January 9th, 2012.  He will be presenting his research findings on ocean acidification and moderators will lead a discussion with the community on what the changing oceans mean for a fishing community such as Dillingham.

All are welcome to attend this free event.  The event happens at 6:30 pm at the Dillingham Senior Center.  Food and refreshments will be provided.

Sponsored by the UAF Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program and the Alaska Marine Conservation Council.  

Come and learn about your coastal environment and be ready to share your questions and concerns.


For more information, contact Rachel Donkersloot or Izetta Chambers.

that's a happy plate of lox!

Need fish business advice? Join my wiki site!

Check out my fish business wiki site online at http://fishbusiness.pbworks.com.  Simply request access and I will grant it.  Please feel free to contribute to the body of knowledge, share your experiences, lessons learned, etc.

Listen to "Bioneers make innovative use of fish waste"

Listen to this story on APRN about a local company in Naknek, Alaska Bounty, partnering up with another small family-owned company, Naknek Family Fisheries. 

Home Canning Workshop - Naknek 7/28/11

This Thursday, July 28th, 2011, the Marine Advisory Program will be hosting a free workshop on Home Canning in Naknek. 

The purpose of the workshop is to share information and provide hands-on demonstration for people interested in learning how to can fish, meat and vegetables.  The workshop will be held at the home of Violet Willson, in the Donna G Subdivision. 

For more information, contact Izetta Chambers at (907) 842-8323. 

Introduction to the NEPA workshop in Naknek - Saturday, April 23rd, 2011

-       RESCHEDULED – NEW DATE -

Introduction to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA):

A Workshop for Residents

• ·       Are you interested in learning about NEPA?
• ·       Do you want to be informed on environmental decision-making processes?
• ·       Would you like to know how to get timely information on environmental impact statements?

Please come to this free NEPA workshop –

new date: April 23^rd, 2011

 

Where: Bristol Bay Borough Assembly Room

When: Saturday, April 23rd, 2011

Time: 1:30 pm to 3 pm

Brought to you by:

Alaska Sea Grant 

marine advisory program

For more information, contact:

izetta Chambers, Marine advisory Program (MAP) Agent

at izetta.chambers@alaska.edu or (907) 842-8323

Get that crew contract in writing!

Spring is in the air, and you know what that means.  It’s time to start getting out your fishing gear, getting those needed repairs done on your boat, and evaluating your fishing business. 

This is the time of year when fishermen start thinking about hiring their crew for the season, if they haven’t already.  For captains, that means making sure that you have your crew lined up.  For deckhands, that means making sure that they have employment for the upcoming season.  If you are considering hiring new crew, or if you would like to reinforce existing roles, responsibilities and obligations of your current crew or position on a boat, you might want to consider a crew member’s employment contract.  For both captains and crew, a crew member employment contract is not just a recommendation, it is essential. 

If there is a dispute between a deckhand and a captain, how is one side going to prove to a court what the agreement is?  A written contract protects both parties, but it also makes it much easier to settle disputes that may arise out of the term of employment. 

At a minimum, a crew member employment contract should include the following:

1.      Crew member name;

2.      Vessel owner name;

3.      Vessel name;

4.      Term of employment (from what starting date to what ending date);

5.      How a crew member will be paid (% of the gross catch, or % of the net catch after certain listed expenses);

6.      Whether or not the crew member will receive a share of any post-season price adjustments (retro pay);

7.      What costs will be paid by which party (travel expenses, gear, crew members’ license, etc.);

8.      Medical history;

9.      What duties are covered in the employment;

10.   Signatures of both parties, with dates.

The medical history portion may feel a little bit too personal, but it can really protect a vessel owner in the case that a crew member makes a claim against them for a prior medical condition.  It also puts the vessel owner on notice if they hire a crew member that has a condition such as seasickness or a hernia that would indicate that they may some alternative arrangements for certain job duties. 

Finally, make sure to remember to sign and date the contract.  It is not an enforceable agreement unless it is signed and dated by both parties.  To be on the safe side, get it notarized before a notary public.    

For a good example of a crew member employment contract, see the sample provided at Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program website at http://seagrant.uaf.edu/map/fishbiz/pubs/crewcontract.pdf.